MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir 2009

The Central Coast winegrowing region runs along nearly 250 miles of stunning California coastline. The region extends from San Francisco in the north all the way down to Santa Barbara in the south. The Central Coast region is planted to over 100,000 acres of wine grapes and includes 27 distinct appellations such as Sta. Rita Hills, Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County. The cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean and the diversity of soil types found in the Central Coast produce site-specific Pinot Noir grapes that lend themselves to blending harmonious wines.

The Russian River Valley is one of California's most celebrated sources of world class Pinot Noir. The region is blessed with strong maritime influences, specifically, a cool climate defined by the fog that follows the river valley to blanket the vineyards. Warm days and cool nights encourage distinct varietal characters in the ripening grapes. Early winegrowers planted Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Carignane, to make hearty, simple wines. Since the 1960's, however, the Russian River Valley has been home to the pioneers of New World Pinot Noir.

87 Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate Pinot Noir Central Coast (largely from Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards) exhibits a deep ruby/purple-tinged color as well as sweet notes of smoke, black cherr

87 Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate Pinot Noir Central Coast (largely from Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards) exhibits a deep ruby/purple-tinged color as well as sweet notes of smoke, black cherries, crushed rocks, and damp earth. This tasty effort comes across like an attractive Cote de Beaune Pinot. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Score: 87. Robert Parker, December 2008. Grapes from premier Central Coast vineyards including Olson Ranch in the Santa Lucia Highlands contributed to the final blend of this wine. A Pinot with classic aromas from the cool micro- climates of the Central Coast, this wine showcases flavors of red cherry, cola, and briar complimented by nuances of sweet vanilla.

88 Points - Robert Parker, December Wine Advocate Slightly more structured, darker-colored, richer, and muscular is the Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. It reveals floral notes along with sweet, autumnal

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. Nicely stated red cherry fruit with touches of black cherries and a bright, energetic, not quite developed side makes the early going in this somewhat supple, slightly flesh, never soft bottling. Young in its fruit with good volume to its cherryish flavors and plenty of depth to hold off somewhat coarse tannins at this writing, the wine seems bound to improve for three to six years and is more likely to fit in with savory beef dishes than with something on the more refined side.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Cellar for future drinking. Wine will improve with bottle aging.

"Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. Nicely stated red cherry fruit with touches of black cherries and a bright